[1][2] The 1850 census records show that Trail was a young lawyer living with his parents in Frederick town.

That same year, Trail was elected president of the Isabella gas works company in Frederick, eventually becoming the sole stock holder.

[1]: Ibid In August 1862, Trail was appointed lieutenant-colonel, 1st Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade.

[1]: 215  Seven companies of which were mustered into service and encamped in August near the turnpike, about a mile and a half north of Frederick.

On October 15, 1869, President U.S. Grant and his party (including General Sherman) stayed in Frederick in 1869 while visiting the Antietam battleground.

They had four children, author Florence Trail, Ariana Teresa, Charles Bayard and Anna M.[5][8] His wife died in 1892.

Five persons were killed outright, and a large number seriously injured when two passenger coaches filled with excursionists to Washington and Mt.